--- title: Government-Arranged Move vs PPM Explained url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/government-move-vs-ppm/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Military moves and storage (DOD approved)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/) - Government-arranged move vs PPM # Government-arranged move vs Personally Procured Move On PCS orders you choose between two paths: a government-arranged shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly called a DITY move). A PPM needs a valid set of orders, and either path is set up through your transportation office and DPS. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) The first real decision in a military move is who runs the shipment. In one path the government arranges a carrier for you. In the other, you take charge of the move yourself. Each suits different households. ## How a government-arranged shipment works In a government-arranged move, the shipment is booked in the Defense Personal Property System and assigned to an approved carrier. You work with your transportation office on dates and on what is packed and shipped. You do not pick the carrier yourself, which keeps the process simple but means less control over who shows up. This path suits families who want one process to follow, have a standard household, and prefer to let the system handle assignment. ## How a Personally Procured Move works With a PPM, you arrange the move yourself. That can mean renting a truck and driving it, or hiring a professional mover directly. The Navy's PPM handout is clear that a PPM requires a valid set of orders, so get those first. Because you choose the mover, you also choose the date, the services and the level of help. This path suits families who want to control timing, have an unusual set of belongings, or want a crew they have met in advance and an estimate they can read before committing. ## Questions to settle before you choose - What does your counselor say your orders cover in each path? - How much of the work do you want to do yourself? - Do you have heavy items, such as a piano or a pool table, that need special handling? - Do you need storage before the new home is ready? - How firm is your report date? ## Where O'Brien's fits O'Brien's is DOD approved to move and store military household goods. Government-arranged shipments are assigned through DPS and your transportation office. If you choose a PPM, or want storage or extra help beyond what the shipment covers, you can hire O'Brien's directly. Call 775-359-6683, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and an estimator will schedule a free in-home estimate that includes 10 free heavy-duty boxes. For a Nevada move our estimate is itemized and in writing, and you get an itemized inventory and condition report before packing begins. See [how our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/). ## Ask your counselor before you decide Your Personal Property Office can explain what each path means for your specific orders. Take the questions above to that conversation, and write down the answers. Then follow the booking steps in [how DPS works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/dps-explained/) or the full [PCS checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/pcs-checklist/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Military OneSource, Preparing to Move](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/) - [NAVSUP, Personally Procured Move handout](https://www.navsup.navy.mil/Portals/65/HHG/Documents/PPM/PPM%20Handout%20V.13.pdf) ### Licensed movers U.S. DOT No. 30611 MC-109375 Nevada CPCN 1070 Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's) Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955 [Check our USDOT record](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=30611) · [Ready to Move? (FMCSA)](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/ReadytoMoveBrochure_2022Update.pdf) [Licenses and authority](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Military moves and storage (DOD approved)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/) - [PCS moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/pcs-checklist/) - [How DPS works for your household goods move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/dps-explained/) - [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) PCS helper ## Where are you in your PCS? [Send my PCS details](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) Government-arranged moves are booked through your installation transportation office and the Defense Personal Property System at [Military OneSource / move.mil](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/). Carriers for government-arranged moves are assigned through that system. Military move topics ## Read next - [How DPS works for your household goods move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/dps-explained/) - [Non-temporary storage (NTS) for military households](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/non-temporary-storage/) - [Household goods weight allowances by rank](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/weight-allowances/) - [PCS moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/military-moving/pcs-checklist/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### What does PPM stand for? Personally Procured Move. It was formerly known as a DITY move, and in it you arrange the shipment yourself instead of having the government assign a carrier. ### Can I switch from a government move to a PPM? Ask your transportation office. Changes depend on your orders and on where your shipment stands in DPS, so get the answer from the counselor before you act. ### Can I hire O'Brien's for a PPM? Yes. For a PPM you hire a mover directly, and O'Brien's is DOD approved to move military household goods. Call the Sparks office for a free in-home estimate. ### Which path costs me less? That depends on your orders and what they cover. Your counselor can explain the entitlements, and a written estimate from any mover you hire shows its own charges. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. J Janet M. May 16, 2026 I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move. ### Owner's reply Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward. J Judy H. April 7, 2026 I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!! ### Owner's reply WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know. ## Ask about your military move We are DOD approved to move and store military household goods. Your transportation office books government moves; we can talk you through it. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070